bdengler wrote:Once again, I appreciate everyone's suggestions. This is a thoughtful, helpful and very polite group. Some of you suggested a King 2341. I can get access to a used King 2341, a version with a detachable bell (I understand the new version does not have a detachable bell). It's in very good condition; a music store used it as a "loaner" for a short period of time when tubas were being repaired. Any thoughts?
The better samples of the old King BBb’s had no bad reputation. If you like it as well as the YBB-621, you will get a more standard sized instrument, but still not a real biggie. So it should be manageable. (The disclaimers about the relationships between price and state of repair/valve tightness still are standing).
If you prefer rotary valves, I'd look at a very old (but still sound) Miraphone 186 or a new VMI3301 (or one of its several stenciled versions).
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The VMI 3301 is a good tuba, but is a piston valve horn. I think Dr. Sloan meant to say VMI 2301.
bdengler wrote:Once again, I appreciate everyone's suggestions. This is a thoughtful, helpful and very polite group. Some of you suggested a King 2341. I can get access to a used King 2341, a version with a detachable bell (I understand the new version does not have a detachable bell). It's in very good condition; a music store used it as a "loaner" for a short period of time when tubas were being repaired. Any thoughts?
I had one of the 2 piece 2341s that I purchased new in the early 90s. At the time I was just getting back into playing after 18 years away. After 9 years I decided that I had trouble getting the low range, below low G, to speak the way I wanted. I switched to the newer one piece King and have been very happy with it. Other 2 piece versions that I have tried have not had the same problem as mine, so it could have just been the horn. In general I think that the 2 piece King, would be a great horn to get back into playing with. In very good to excellent condition it should sell for between $2-3000.
[quote="Lew
The VMI 3301 is a good tuba, but is a piston valve horn. I think Dr. Sloan meant to say VMI 2301.
[/quote]
Yup - my bad.
On the old 2341 - it's an OK choice and a good horn, just not my FIRST choice. If you find one in good condition for a good price, it would be just fine.
Tubist of Time wrote:One of the most valuable rules of thumb I have obtained in the music world is, "find what you like, and stick with it." This could be said of either mouthpieces, or the instruments themselves. If you like the Yamaha, why "force" yourself to play anything else?
Well...in this particular case: because the YBB-621S is a tad small (in sound) for a large ensemble. It's great for smaller groups - and simply superb if you should happen to need to play while standing - but it's not my first choice to the only (or even 1 of 3) tuba in a 60-piece wind ensemble.
